Mental Toughness, Physical Strength

FacelessFriday

Happy Friday!!! If you’re making the big trip to Dublin today for the Christmas shopping, happy shopping day ya massive culchie 😂

What I’m trying for mental (and physical) improvement…

Hot Yoga – I’ve always wanted to get properly into yoga and in particular hot yoga but for one reason or another I’ve always more dabbled than actually gotten fully engaged. I’ve loved the idea for so long of finding my centre through active meditation while also improving my physical health. I noted earlier this year the mental benefits of being able to switch off from the stresses of work and life while going through my most recent dabbling phase but for long term the times never seemed to really suit and it became more hassle than it was worth. They also have zero parking in the studio I went to which needed additional and annoying planning. Anyway a recent change of apartment for me allowed me to tactically position my life 100 metres from the gym and 800 metres from the Hot Yoga studio. This was no coincidence boys 😎 Make things easy and you’ll do it. And I have done it! I should mention that an almost 4 month lay off with a back injury also meant hot yoga was a no brainier for improved recovery as I’m working my way back! I’ve embraced it, and I can’t see myself letting it go any time soon! The past 6 or so weeks I’ve gone almost solidly every Wednesday and Saturday, it’s strangely addictive. Don’t get me wrong by what I’m about to say next, it certainly is a tough workout setting you back around 500-600 calories easily within the hour but I’m not there for a physical workout. I’m there for me. And only me! I recently noticed that I have zero idea who’s been coming and going to that class! Aside from the instructor I’ve no idea, the reason? I’ve been practicing with my eyes closed more and more, only opening to check form or to check the instructors form and how I should be doing it. It’s about me and centring me on the now. If you’re Continue reading →

Actually going to double this up as I got both for under €20 in none other than Mr. Price. Anyhoo for starters every single person should own a whiteboard which you hang in your room or somewhere extremely visible in your house. For me thoughts are only thoughts until you write them down! Writing them in a diary or book is ok but it’s hidden away, instead putting in out there and visible, if only to yourself, is a power shift in how you look at things you think about! Write anything, leave it awhile and see how you feel, see what grows! I like it in my bedroom as I can reflect before sleep and often in the morning something new comes. Write your goal, look at it everyday, it makes early morning training much much easier, believe me.

The second item is a calendar with enough space to write notes for everyday, use it to plan your days, weeks and months leading to that goal.

Whiteboard – €7.99 Mr. Price
Calendar – €6.99 Mr Price

Here are mine (Getting ready for 2018)!

A Podcast episode I’m listening to…

The ‘Strength and Scotch’ podcast…straight off the bat, what a concept, all these guys do is talk about different scotches and workout techniques! Fucking awesome! I’m new Continue reading →

What’s up guys, Happy Friday. Here are some bits and pieces from the last week:

An exercise variation I’m trying out…

Reverse Pull down on the Diverging Lat Pull Down machine – the diverging movement when you flip this exercise around really focuses the attention on the Rhomboid major and lower trap muscle. Aim for your the bottom of the movement to have your hands ending just behind and below your ears! Use lower weight here to ensure you focus on the above mucles, otherwise you will engage the arms much more.

What I’m listening to…

I’ve been a big fan of Tim Ferris’ blog for quite some time but just this week listened to one of his top 10 all time Podcasts featuring Charles Poliquin. What an amazing character, and what an amazing 2 hours or so of content. They speak at length about strength training, what exercises you should forget about, what supplements you should be taking for health benefits, meat eating versus vegan for training, where to go to find medical information…..It really is an amazing listen.

I usually listen to my podcasts while working out but this was one I just couldn’t stop listening to after my session finished. So many tips is here, for sure check it out!!